Bells Corners Public School in Nepean, Ontario, opens its gym to the public for a holiday market and mitten collection on Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. The school announced the evening on November 9. Admission is free, and organizers ask visitors to contribute a pair of mittens for the drive.

Why you should go

  • It costs nothing to walk in. Admission is free, so families can browse without buying a ticket.
  • Local vendors and handmade crafts. The school says the gym will be filled with area sellers offering holiday crafts, which suits shoppers looking for gifts made nearby.
  • Treats for the kids. Baked goods, hot chocolate and popcorn are part of the evening.
  • A small way to help neighbours. Bringing a pair of mittens adds to the collection gathered that night.
  • Money stays with the school. Vendor spots cost $30 CAD and all proceeds go to BCPS.

What will visitors find in the gym?

The evening mixes shopping with seasonal food and a charitable ask. According to the school, the gym will hold local vendors selling handmade holiday crafts alongside baked goods, hot chocolate and popcorn.

Vendor space is limited, and applications go through the school's vendor form. The school is also recruiting volunteers to help run the event.

How the mitten drive works

Visitors who bring a pair of mittens add to the donations collected that evening. The school's notice does not say where the donated mittens will be distributed, so readers who want that detail should ask the organizer.

School-run winter markets are common in Ontario at this time of year. Schools across the Simcoe County District School Board, for instance, hold a seasonal series of markets and craft fairs that raise funds and give families an early start on holiday shopping, according to board announcements reported by MidlandToday and Milton Now.

What to know before you go

  • Date and time: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Venue: Bells Corners Public School gymnasium, 3770 Old Richmond Road, Nepean, ON K2H 5C3
  • Admission: Free
  • Bring: A pair of mittens for the drive
  • Vendors: Limited spots at $30 CAD, proceeds to the school

The notice does not list parking, accessibility details or a vendor application deadline. Questions can go to sc-bellscornersps@ocdsb.ca or (613) 828-3100.

FAQ

When and where is the market?

It runs Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium at Bells Corners Public School, 3770 Old Richmond Road, Nepean.

How much does it cost to attend?

Admission is free. Vendors pay $30 CAD for a spot, and those proceeds support the school.